Dynamos frustration boils over as Mangombe blasts ...

Dynamos frustration boils over as Mangombe blasts referees in stalemate

Philemon Jambaya

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Dynamos’ title hopes took another blow on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium. However, the real drama unfolded after the final whistle, with coach Genesis Mangombe launching a scathing attack on the match officials.

The turning point came just before the hour mark. Kelvin Moyo thought he had broken the deadlock for Dynamos, but his goal was controversially disallowed for offside. This marked the second time in as many home games that the Harare giants had a goal chalked off, leaving Mangombe fuming.

“Some of the decisions made by the match officials are causing us to lose maximum points,” he fumed in his post-match interview. “This is the second time this has happened. In my opinion, I thought it was a clear goal ... We are losing points because of these match officials. Let’s not hide this, because it is going on and on.”

Mangombe’s outburst could land him in hot water with the Premier Soccer League. Last season, several coaches were fined for similar behaviour, and the DeMbare coach could face a similar punishment.

On the field, Dynamos dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge in attack. Their struggles in front of goal were evident as they failed to convert numerous chances. “Our strikeforce needs to improve,” admitted Mangombe. “We are making entries into the box, but the guys are not clinical.”

Bulawayo Chiefs, on the other hand, were content with a point away from home. Coach Thulani Sibanda praised his team’s defensive effort, particularly singling out Nkosilathi Ncube’s near miss on the 54th minute as their only real attacking threat.

“It is a good result for us coming to Rufaro against a team as good as Dynamos,” Sibanda said. “To come here and get a point is a good result for us.”

With this draw, Dynamos remain far off the pace in the title race. They currently sit eighth on the log, seven points behind leaders Highlanders. The pressure is now on Mangombe to find solutions for his team’s attacking woes.